Home, Sweet Home!

Casa De McMiller was visited on Saturday by some of its previous residents. The house was owned by Virginia's parents between the 20's and 60's. She lived in it until she was married, in the house, in 1943, to Steve. Their wedding photo was taken in front of the fireplace, just as they stand here 65 years later. Many things about this visit were surreal and wonderful. The look on her face as Virginia slowly scanned around the front rooms. She made a few comments... "you've taken half the wall down on the staircase..." .."this pillar is new." But the house was, for the most part, as she remembered it.

This made me happy beyond words. For those who are recently introduced to Casa de McMiller, it was, well, a s*@% hole when we bought. Anything that came close to what Virginia was remembering was re-created by Brian and Ms. A with the intent to "restore" the house to it's original glory. I think the level of our success can be summed up this way: as the happy couple was leaving they asked, "so, you were able to save the front door." Well, no. The door is new, restored from someone's botched job at making it a double door. I was happy to be able to see the memories floating by Virginias eyes, unblurred by the chaos of what the house was 4 years ago.